Flags half mast in MI 5-25 - why?

[NancyR]

DH and I drove through Michigan yesterday and saw flags at half mast all over but can't figure out why. Anybody know - it's driving me crazy?! Not sure it is just a Michigan thing but when we crossed into Indiana I didn't see any more although we didn't go very far there.
TIA
Nancy

[SandyM]

"Governor Jennifer M. Granholm ordered that United States flags throughout the state of Michigan and on Michigan waters be lowered in honor of Michigan servicemen who lost their lives while on active duty in Iraq. Flags will be lowered:

Thursday, May 24, 2007, to honor Army National Guard Sergeant Thomas G. Wright of Holly, 38, who died May 14 from a non-combat related illness while serving in Balad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 46th Military Police Company, 210th Military Police Battalion, Kingsford, Michigan.

Friday, May 25, 2007, to honor Army Private First Class Daniel W. Courneya of Nashville, 19, who died May 12 from wounds suffered when his patrol was attacked by enemy forces in Al Taqa, Iraq. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007, to honor Army Sergeant Justin D. Wisniewski of Standish who died May 19 while on active duty in Iraq. Sergeant Wisniewski, age 22, died from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit in Lutfiyah, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York."

[ErinM]

I've seen them lowered here in WI in the past few days. I was wondering the same thing. Wonder if it's the same reason. :confused:

[cumulus]

Memorial Day is Monday...Ours have been lowered at work (Federal Building for a week or so because of the holiday- then again, who knows why it's been half staff for so long...lol)

ETA: Maybe it was just for the following, and I didn't notice it went back up:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2007, as Peace Officers' Memorial Day and May 13 through May 19, 2007, as Police Week. I call on all Americans to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also call on Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half staff on Peace Officers' Memorial Day. I further encourage all Americans to display the flag at half staff from their homes and businesses on that day.

For WI: In the state of WISCONSIN

Flags to be Lowered for Kenosha County Sheriff Deputy killed in the line of duty

The Governor has issued an Executive Order to lower the flags May 23, 2007, as a mark of respect for Kenosha County Sheriff Deputy Frank Fabiano, Jr. who was killed in the line of duty.

[NancyR]

Thanks for your replies. How sad.........I hope the gesture is some comfort to their families.

[ErinM]

For WI: In the state of WISCONSIN

Flags to be Lowered for Kenosha County Sheriff Deputy killed in the line of duty

The Governor has issued an Executive Order to lower the flags May 23, 2007, as a mark of respect for Kenosha County Sheriff Deputy Frank Fabiano, Jr. who was killed in the line of duty.


Hmm...thanks for looking that up, cumulus. But I'm in Dane County...not sure if counts for us!

[cumulus]

Hmm...thanks for looking that up, cumulus. But I'm in Dane County...not sure if counts for us!

Pretty sure it's for the whole state- family in LaX County said they had it as well. And Dane Cty isn't that far from Kenosha Cty ;)

[badunnin]

Living in Michigan, I can tell you that the flags are almost always at half-mast these days. It's very sad.

[ErinM]

Pretty sure it's for the whole state- family in LaX County said they had it as well. And Dane Cty isn't that far from Kenosha Cty ;)


It's not? I thought it was by Milwaukee! That's like, on the edge of the state! ;) :D